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Australia Zoo
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · AU

Australia Zoo

Getting around: About an hour north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast; the zoo runs a paid shuttle bus from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, or it's a straightforward drive with onsite parking.
Hours: Open daily 9am–5pm (last entry 4pm). Croc feeding and wildlife shows run on a set daily schedule, so check the show times board on arrival.

Founded by the Irwin family, Australia Zoo is built around the crocodile conservation work Steve Irwin made famous, and it's larger and more elaborate than a typical zoo — expect a full day rather than a couple of hours, with the Crocoseum show a genuine centrepiece. Tigers, elephants, and a large Australian native wildlife collection round it out.

Because it's an hour from Brisbane, it's a deliberate day-trip choice rather than a quick stop, and the shuttle bus (if you don't want to drive) adds to that commitment. Wildlife shows are scheduled through the day, so it's worth planning around them rather than just wandering.

Australia Zoo FAQs

How long should I plan for a visit?

A full day — the zoo is large, and the wildlife shows are spread across the schedule, so rushing means missing the highlights.

How do I get there without a car?

Australia Zoo runs a paid return shuttle from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast; book it in advance.

Is it worth the trip from Brisbane?

Yes, if you want a genuine wildlife-focused day out — it's one of the more substantial zoo experiences in Australia, not a quick add-on.

Can I see crocodile feeding?

Yes, the Crocoseum show includes crocodile feeding displays at scheduled times through the day.

Is it good for young kids?

Yes, it's stroller-friendly with plenty of shaded areas, though the size means a lot of walking across the day.

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